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3 days in Florence

I arrive in Florence on a sunny Thursday afternoon to meet a friend who is already waiting for me at the very conveniently and centrally located hotel, which we have strategically chosen. The plan: to live Florence to the fullest for 3 days. I find my friend, drop my bags and we are off. We aim for Piazza del Duomo. We talk of many things as we walk and do not realize, as we go through the tiny cobbled streets, pass the crowded cafes and gelataries, that Florence is gingerly working its charm and paving its way through our hearts. Finally we reach Piazza del Duomo, the epicentre of the Renaissance. Our enthusiasm at the sight of everything around us (Santa Maria del Fiore aka il Duomo, il Battistero di San Giovanni and il Campanile di Giotto) is shared by all other tourists pointing at the attractions encountered so many times on art history textbook pages, now taking life and shape in front of their eyes. People armed with cameras avidly snapping away, in a frantic attempt to capture the many beauties around one square under the Florentine sky. We join the queue and buy our admission tickets to the various monuments. To think this is only the start of our tour…

Anna3762014's City Tips

Bus passes are very convenient and available to buy in local convenience stores; however, Florence is not huge and can easily be walked around.

Day 1

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Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore

Architectural buildings, Religious sites

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Anna3762014 Says:

This is the very heart of Florence: The main church with the famous Cupola by Brunelleschi. The exterior walls are built in different marbles which combine with one another in a captivating game of hues, a style that has given Tuscan cities a most distinguished look throughout the centuries. The building was initiated in the early Italian Renaissance, in the 13th Century, and completed during the high Renaissance period. Although construction and decoration took several hundred years, once you enter and have the chance to admire it in its full splendor, you’ll conclude it was worth the wait!

Good for

Must See

History Buff

Art and Architecture Lover

Tips

When visiting the Duomo, you have the option to buy a day ticket to all the attractions within Piazza Duomo. This is more convenient and will save you money and queuing time.

If you want to give chronological sense to your art tour, it is important that you visit this attraction before the others in Piazza Duomo: Il Battistero is a more medieval accomplishment and more faithful in its interiors to earlier style trends. It is entirely decorated in gold and the light reflections are impressive.

Good for

Must See

History Buff

Art and Architecture Lover

Tips

Audio guides are available; do opt for one as it will make a difference.

Behind Piazza Duomo, this taverna has a good selection of local dishes to choose from, and a good wine list. Prices are very reasonable, considering the very central location, and while the food is not high standard or sophisticated cuisine, it is good food on a budget and I would recommend it at least for a quick bite. My personal favorite here is the 'pasta e ceci' with 'lardo di colonnata' - a typical Tuscan dish.

Good for

Foodie

Tips

Ask the waiter about daily specials; not all dishes are always detailed on the menu.

This museum is located directly behind the Duomo and contains the major oeuvres relating to the buildings surrounding the square. It gives visitors a very good background on how the famous Florentine buildings were constructed, as well as playing host to some of the most prominent Renaissance artworks. My personal favorite is Michelangelo’s Florentine Pietà. Although the one mostly referred to is situated in the Vatican museums in Rome, the one you'll find here is definitely worthy of attention, too. It is a later work by a more mature Michelangelo. The sculpture represents the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene and Nicodemus holding Jesus as they take him down from the cross. The young Michelangelo is apparently also represented by Jesus himself, who is sculpted with a remarkably more vigorous and robust body than its counterpart in the Vatican.

It’s 85 meters tall, and of course, I took the stairs all the way up, which is exactly what I advise other visitors to do! The reward at the top? Florence — the view of the entire cityscape in all its glorious colors and gentle forms. It makes for a memorable experience.

Good for

Must See

History Buff

Art and Architecture Lover

Tips

My advice is that you do this in the hours of sunset, when the Tuscan sun blushes a reddish tone and sets behind the city’s elegant roof tops.

This unique gallery is located near Piazza San Marco, and it's famed for hosting the original statue of David by Michelangelo. (The most photographed version in Piazza della Signoria, is, in fact, a replica.)

Florence is not a metropolis by any standard: It is a fairly small city, easily toured on foot and not overpopulated. Still, the sheer amount of art it contains is overwhelming, and exploring it all makes for hungry work. If a delicious Florentine steak (when in Florence!) is just what your appetite is craving, Buca Lapi is the place for you. The atmosphere is warm, the smells are sensational, and the steaks are perfectly cooked, rare and served in generous portions.

Good for

Foodie

Tips

Waiters are kind and knowledgeable - ask for a Tuscan red wine recommendation.

One of my favorite churches: Its colors are vivid and you get an immediate sense of harmony and peace when you venture inside. The main attractions here are the Crucifix by Giotto, Masaccio's Holy Trinity and the Crucifix by Brunelleschi.

This Basilica is located a little outside the city center and therefore tends not to be as crowded as the other churches in Florence. Reaching the building preceded by incredibly steep steps is an experience in itself, and attention must be paid to the church's stunning mosaic decoration.

This is a great local place for good local food at a good price, situated near to the outdoor market. Tripe, a most popular Florentine dish, is one of their specialties, and the ribollita is delicious, too. Ribollita consists of a chunky soup whose main ingredient is usually cannellini beans, also very typical of the area.

Good for

Foodie

Thrifty Traveller

Friends

Solo

Senior

Family

Tips

It is not a place you would go to on a date, but ideal if you are traveling on a budget.

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